SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (November 18, 2025) — The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) reminds firearm deer hunters that mandatory check stations will be open this year in counties where chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been detected.
The 2025 Illinois firearm deer season dates are November 21-23 and December 4-7.
The detection of CWD in Bureau, Ford and Lee counties has prompted IDNR to open new check stations in 2025. Mandatory CWD surveillance counties now include Boone, Bureau, Carroll, DeKalb, Ford, Grundy, Jo Daviess, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, LaSalle, Lee, Livingston, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, Will, and Winnebago.
A list of CWD testing locations can be found online. Mandatory check stations are operated 8AM-8PM daily.
Successful firearm hunters in CWD counties should not attempt to report their deer online or by phone.
Voluntary check stations will be open for successful hunters in Adams County at Twin Oaks Club, 2702 Bonansinga Drive in Quincy, and at the Jubilee College State Park office on West Fussner Road in Brimfield. Voluntary check stations are operated 8AM-8PM daily.
Successful firearm deer hunters in Adams and Peoria counties are required to check their deer online at ExploreMoreIL.com or over the phone at 866-452-2325 (866-IL-CHECK).
Successful deer hunters can visit taxidermists, meat processors and head drop-off locations throughout the state to have their deer tested for CWD. View the interactive map of sampling locations and learn more about CWD sampling online.
About IDNR
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is celebrating 100 years of conservation and service to the people of Illinois throughout 2025. The department was established July 1, 1925, as the Illinois Department of Conservation, bringing under one umbrella oversight of fish and game, forestry, public works, and lakes.
Today, IDNR’s work encompasses management of about 400 sites across Illinois, including state parks and historic sites; wildlife, fisheries, forestry, and natural heritage; Lake Michigan water allocation and coastal management; conservation police; mines and minerals; oil and gas; issuance of licenses, permits, and numerous grants; the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta; and the Illinois State Museum. Visit dnr.illinois.gov for more information.
